Layton Injured in Fall From High Horse

NDP Leader Jack Layton was injured last night, after suffering a fall off of his high horse.

While details of the fall are uncertain, it reportedly occured right after he had finished publicly rejecting the Liberals' proposal to protect public health care at a speech at Toronto's Empire Club on Monday. What is known is that Canada's most earnest politician was released from hospital this morning after staying overnight for observations, according to a party spokesperson.

"He suffered a couple of scrapes and bruises, but he's going to be all right. Jack is going to be getting right back on that horse," said NDP communications director Jamey Heath. "Way up there...yessiree indeed. So high, he'll be getting nose bleeds..."

According to the party official, Layton's fall had nothing to do with party principles or some sort of ethical quandry. "He simply lost his balance while reaching for a book in his constituency office," said Heath, known nationally as the angriest young man ever to appear on Don Newman's Politics.

In a written statement issued by the NDP Leader, the recuperating Layton indicated that he will be able to maintain his duties as leader, and he will definitely be able to vote in a confidence motion next week in the House of Commons, should it be necessary.

Prime Minister Paul Martin communicated his wishes for Layton to make a speedy recovery while speaking with reporters earlier today. "I'm confident that Jack will be back in the saddle in no time," said the PM.